How to Help Make Someone Who Stutters More Comfortable

Surprise, shock, embarrassment, uncertainty -- all are common reactions when meeting someone who stutters for the first time. Stammering, otherwise known as stuttering or dysfluency, is a common communication problem that affects over 3 million Americans. With this condition, speech flow is interrupted by repetitions, sound lengthening and unusual stoppages which cause the natural flow of communication to be disordered. People who stammer generally want to be treated in the same way as everyone else. You can help improve communication and make a person who stammers feel at ease by following a few simple rules and tips.

Instructions

• 1

  Listen to the person carefully and concentrate on what he says and not how he is saying it.

• 2

  Do not to correct the person's speech. Telling him to take a deep breath, start again or slow down is not helpful, as it increases pressure to speak fluently.

• 3

  Allow time for him to finish what he has to say and don't finish sentences for him or fill in the missing words. A person who stutters knows what they want to say.

• 4

  Keep easy eye contact while you are talking, especially when he stammers. This shows that you are interested in the person and not the communication difficulty. It also reinforces the sense that you have time to talk, and this reduces the pressure to speak quickly. Do not stare or look away any more than you would with anyone else.

• 5

  Slow down your own rate of talking. This gives an impression of relaxed communication, something your conversation partner will appreciate.

• 6

  Treat a person who stutters in the same way as you would treat any other person and how you would like to be treated yourself. Having respect for each other, no matter what speech difficulties are apparent, is the simplest and most effective way to ensure effective and easy communication.